# Letter 97: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Lovelace writes to Belford from St. Alban's, exulting in his successful elopement with Clarissa. He revels in his triumph over her family, yet is troubled by her evident grief and lack of affection. He resolves to test her love and asserts his control over her situation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace boasts of manipulating Clarissa's family and controlling her situation, viewing her as his conquest.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace orchestrates the elopement to appear consensual, while internally doubting Clarissa's true feelings.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Lovelace

Exultant and possessive after the elopement, but troubled by Clarissa's grief.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Retired to rest; her grief and reluctance trouble Lovelace.

### John Belford

Recipient of Lovelace's letter, confidant.

## Key lines

> I knew that the whole stupid family were in a combination to do my business for me.

I realized that Clarissa's foolish family were unwittingly helping me achieve my goal.

_Lovelace's manipulative view of the Harlowe family._

> But did I say my joy was perfect?—O no!—It receives some abatement from my disgusted bride.

Yet my happiness is not complete because my bride seems repulsed by me.

_Lovelace's frustration with Clarissa's lack of affection._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-97-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters